PDP-11 power requirements

[Paul Koning]

>>>>> "Patrick" == Patrick Finnegan <pat at computer-refuge.org> writes:

 Patrick> Well, here everything is rated for "20 amps" and labelled as
 Patrick> such, but there's a difference between continuous load (eg,
 Patrick> lights or appliances that are continuously on, such as
 Patrick> emergency lighting, or computers in some cases), and
 Patrick> intermittent load (eg, a vacuum cleaner, kitchen appliances,
 Patrick> etc).  You're allowed to use the full rating for
 Patrick> intermittent loads, but only 80% of the rating for
 Patrick> continuous loads.

There are some additional rules for special cases.  For example, for
electric welders there are a whole lot of derating factors specified
for different duty cycles.  At the lowest duty cycles you're allowed
to put amazing amounts of current through rather small wires.  Read
the official docs for the details, if you need them...

    paul